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Veteran righthander Jason Grilli was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Tuesday, with righthander Chris Smith recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to take his place. In addition, outfielder Ezequiel Carrera was activated from the DL and outfielder Dwight Smith, Jr. was optioned to the Bisons.

Grilli, 40, had been struggling all year after his option year had been picked up by the Blue Jays last winter to act as the setup man. The Jays owe him approximately $1.6 million for the remainder of the year. The club has 10 days to make a trade or for Grilli to accept the demotion. If neither of those options happen, he can become a free agent.

Grilli had yielded nine home runs in 20 2/3 innings in 2017, with a 2-4 record, a 6.97 ERA in 26 games. Acquired from the Braves in an important trade on May 31, 2016, Grilli joined the Jays in a middle relief role but earned a valuable setup spot in the second half as the Jays earned the wild-card spot. His value was increased in both years as a mentor and an inspiration to the young relievers.

Smith, 28, a non-roster invitee to spring training this year, was 1-2, with a 3.93 ERA and four saves for the Bisons in 14 games. He has two walks and 15 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings.

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